Nathan aimed again and unleashed a blast of his own, but it went wide for he did not even glimpse Firebird in its glow. He leaped away to hiding behind a large stalagmite. "Listen to me!" the voice of Firebird commanded again. "I could have killed you then. My shot landed two feet to the left of you. Now will you hear what I have to say?" "It's easy to call your shots after they are fired." "Here's one neither to the right or left," said Firebird evenly. Before she finished speaking a blast of flame burst over the huge stalagmite in front of Nathan. The fire of it flowed around the sides and enveloped him in a searing blanket. For the first time, Nathan knew fear. The witch could see in the dark! He was at her mercy. Her voice spoke more softly now. "Are you coming out from behind there or do I have to come and get you?" "You'll have to come and get me--the same way you got my father." He leaped away to still another stalagmite. He paused midway to unleash his own burst from the flame lance. It splashed against the cavern wall, but there was no answering fire. He waited tensely in the darkness. Minutes passed. Surely he could not have killed the Firebird with that blast. The silence could only mean then that she was holding her fire, creeping up on him in the darkness. "You have no excuse for my father's murder?" Nathan taunted. He slipped away to another protecting rock. Then the voice of Firebird came again--and she hadn't moved! Nathan's eyes tried hopelessly to pierce the blackness to check the evidence of his ears. Firebird said, "I was just wondering what I could say to a fool like you. If I killed your father for the Jewels why do you suppose that I didn't take them and go? Why should I have left them, and prepared the trap to destroy the cave mouth?" "Is there anyone who knows the mysterious ways of the thief and killer, Firebird?" "I have never stolen except from thieves. I have never killed--except murderers." "My father was not a murderer!" "And I did not kill him. Your father and I were partners for many years. We searched together for the Seven Jewels." "I don't believe that. He warned me against you." "Yes. Because we quarrelled. I'll tell you about it some day. Together, we found five of the Seven Jewels. One of his three was stolen by the murderer. Now, there are four of the Jewels equally divided between you and me. It is senseless for us to fight. There is power enough for us both when the Seven are ours. In return for your cooperation I promise to help you find your father's murderer. You know my reputation well enough to know what my promise means. And remember, I could have taken the Jewels instead of bargaining with you, but the Firebird is not a thief."